Blow for proposed Home Bargains store in Broch

Plans for a Home Bargains store on Fraserburgh’s Watermill Road could have a “significant impact” on the town centre.

That is the damning view of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services department on the proposals near the new Asda supermarket.

Consultations from various Aberdeenshire Council departments have been made available to view at the council’s website.

Infrastructure Services have responded to the proposal with the suggestion that, should the retail unit be allowed planning permission, there would be a detrimental effect to Fraserburgh’s town centre.

“There is no valid reason to use land which has been safeguarded for employment use, for retail purposes,” the service concludes.

They add: “The site is also located next to land which is designated as CC1 which is for an alternative commercial centre. With the fragility of Fraserburgh Town Centre the site will have a significant impact on the town centre.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage, meanwhile, do not object to the proposals which would see a car park of 108 spaces created to support a 22,500 square foot retail unit.

Home Bargains already has stores in neighbouring Peterhead and Aberdeen.No public representations were received in favour or against the proposals for the store on Aberdeenshire Council’s website, the closing date for responses having now passed.

However, the Fraserburgh Herald had previously asked its readers to comment on the plans.At the time, readers were supportive of the plans. Via our Facebook page, one comment read: “Any new shop or store coming to the Broch should be welcomed with open arms!

“I understand that there are a few hard working, but sadly struggling locally owned business in and around the town centre, but, if I’m being honest, I haven’t shopped in the town centre for a long time because there’s nothing I need there due to the lack of variety and the eyesore of boarded up windows.”